Boston/ Crime & Emergencies
AI Assisted Icon
Published on September 27, 2023
Rhode Island Donut Shop Owner Charged with Sexual Assault of EmployeesSource: Google Street View

Earlier today, the owner of Ma's Donuts in Middletown, Rhode Island, Valdemar Leite, was charged with four counts of second-degree sexual assault, according to NBC Boston from Rhode Island State Police and the state Attorney General's office. These latest charges are in connection with allegations that Leite sexually assaulted two female employees at his business between 2020 and 2023.

Leite, who is 54-years-old, was already under indictment for first and second-degree sexual assault relating to a separate incident involving a third alleged victim. A Grand Jury indicted him on August 18th, and authorities have since continued looking into allegations against him.

In response to the new charges, Leite was arraigned in Newport County Superior Court earlier today and was subsequently released on a $20,000 bail with surety, as stated in Fall River Reporter. A pre-trial conference for these charges is scheduled for January 10, 2024.

Following the indictment, Rhode Island State Police and the Office of the Attorney General continued their investigation into allegations against Leite, eventually leading to the latest charges. The investigation has remained ongoing, and anyone with additional information regarding Valdemar Leite is encouraged to call the Special Victims Unit of the Rhode Island State Police at (401) 764-5549.